President William Ruto has committed to cleaning the polluted Nairobi River within a year. Speaking during the launch of the Nairobi River Regeneration Project in Korogocho, Nairobi on Thursday, the President outlined a detailed plan that will unfold in phases, starting on October 1, 2024.
The first phase of the project will employ 20,000 youths, prioritizing those from Korogocho and surrounding neighborhoods. The President expressed confidence that this initiative will not only improve the environment but also offer vital employment opportunities for young Kenyans.
“In one year, we want Nairobi River to change. The whole section along Nairobi River will be divided, and we will ensure people are working at every stage,” Ruto declared. “Our youth have an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our environment.”
The project is set to extend beyond Nairobi to other major cities in Kenya, including Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru. Ruto announced that within a month, an additional 40,000 youths will be employed for the initiative, with 10,000 more allocated to other areas of Nairobi by early November.
“This program will expand to our four major cities, employing more young people and ensuring the sustainability of our environment,” said President Ruto.
Ruto also issued a stern warning to those who continue to pollute the Nairobi River, threatening legal and financial consequences for offenders.
“If you are going to pollute the river, prepare to be held accountable and pay for it. We need to keep our rivers clean, and everyone must be responsible for their behavior,” he warned.
The Nairobi River Regeneration Project builds upon the work initiated by the Nairobi Rivers Commission, established almost two years ago.
The Commission was tasked with reclaiming the rivers of Nairobi to improve the city’s urban environment and quality of life. President Ruto reiterated this mission, stating that the rivers should be the backbone of Nairobi’s “blue and green” infrastructure.
Among the Commission’s responsibilities are coordinating rehabilitation, protection, and restoration activities across the river basin. They are also charged with ensuring compliance with environmental laws, developing codes of conduct for river usage, and working with relevant stakeholders to enforce these standards.
The Commission members, appointed for a three-year term with the possibility of renewal based on performance, will continue to oversee the project and report on its progress.
The Nairobi Rivers Commission is funded through allocations from both the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government, with additional donations supplementing these funds. President Ruto emphasized that this multi-phased initiative will transform not only Nairobi but also other key urban areas, all while empowering Kenyan youth.
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